taxonomites | 005: [ visual ] chivalry isn't dead

Usually, Arthur is good with public speaking. He's made countless rousing speeches, and being a prince has meant a great deal of being thrust into centre stage. It's a bit different when you're talking into a funny little machine though, and you can't actually see the masses of people you're addressing. Still, when he speaks, it's with an even (and slightly regal) confidence.

"My name is Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot. There are a few of you with whom I've spoken, and many more I have not."

"I'm making this announcement because I seek the assistance of those who would protect this city from the dangers that all too frequently seem to assail it."

"My kingdom, at home, is protected by a force of knights. We work together to ensure the safety of our people, and to defend against attacks - be it from fell creatures or simple troublemakers."

"It is my goal to establish a force like that here in Taxon. Being a knight requires courage, fortitude and discipline. You need only respond if you possess these qualities. Some experience in combat would be desirable, but if you have none and still wish to serve, I would be prepared to teach you."

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"I'm making this conversation private," he says, before he does it. "Not a fan of having my business on the network for all to see, I'm sure you understand."

...right, well.

"Solomon Koenig. I don't think we've met. I'm a Verbena priest; that means I'm a blood mage, that means my combat experience is part what I can do with a weapon and part what I can do with my blood and some magic. I'm probably one of the most qualified people you'll hear from, but I don't want to waste either of our time if 'witch' doesn't really work for you. I've been there, there was fire, it wasn't fun." He lays it out somewhere between 'matter of fact' and 'still kind of dry', but there's nothing aggressive, threatening or defiant. He's willing to help if it'll be feasible, and equally willing to gracefully go back to his building plans and coffee if it isn't.

Arthur nods once to assent to the switch in tablet settings, and once again (more deeply) in polite response to the introduction. Sol's explanation elicits a visible hardening in his features, a wariness that wasn't there before.

"In my kingdom the use of magic is outlawed. It's an offense punishable by execution," he states this in an equally matter of fact way, though this is followed by a pause, and it's evident that he's internally wrestling with something. It appears he's made a decision, however, as he continues:

"But this is not my kingdom, and I have not always agreed with the laws of my father." That's putting it mildly. "I'd like to see how you fight. If you can prove yourself a worthy opponent, I can look past your methods."

The wryly bitter expression on Sol's face suggests there's a comment he didn't make - how very generous of you - because it's not actually going to help either of them work well together.

"Well, then. That won't be a problem. When suits you?"

Hmm yes, Arthur does note that expression, but equally doesn't comment. What Sol couldn't possibly know is that for Arthur this is generous. If his father knew that he'd consent to choose knights that aren't of noble blood and are users of magic, he'd castrate him. Probably not even figuratively either - the stigma surrounding magic in his kingdom is all-encompassing.

"Are you occupied now?"

Part of the reason he doesn't say it is the fact that he can guess that, actually; he's intimately familiar with that kind of prejudice. He has no sympathy and no patience for it, though, and it's probably better not to pick a fight with someone when he'd rather they learn to get past it and work together instead of argue.

"No, I'm free."

Prejudice is one thing, being raised by a megalomaniac father who executes people at the drop of an abracadabra is another. If they were in Camelot, Uther could quite easily have Arthur killed, merely for talking to Sol. In one way, Taxon has meant freedom from fear and tyranny for Arthur, though he'd never admit it.

"I have a dueling arena, located near the centre of town. It should be on the map. I'll see you there?"

"Half an hour," Sol agrees, rising from his desk and picking up the tablet in preparation of turning it off and leaving.

005: [ visual ] chivalry isn't dead

[ visual | locked | arthur + sol | visible to leila ]

[ visual | locked | arthur + sol | visible to leila ]

[ visual | locked | arthur + sol | visible to leila ]

[ visual | locked | arthur + sol | visible to leila ]

[ visual | locked | arthur + sol | visible to leila ]

[ visual | locked | arthur + sol | visible to leila ]

[ visual | locked | arthur + sol | visible to leila ]